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Covering 180 miles of Oregon coast travel: Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Nehalem, Wheeler, Rockaway, Garibaldi, Tillamook, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Wadport, Yachats & Florence.

11/25/06

Secrets of the Season

 

Oregon Coast DVD Makes Perfect Christmas Gift

Gibson filming for Oregon Coast Show

Inn At Spanish Head, Lincoln City. It's Lincoln City’s only resort hotel built right on the beach with all oceanfront rooms - nestled against a rugged cliffside overlooking a soft, sandy beach. Enjoy dining in the penthouse restaurant and bar - whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal or a candlelight dinner. They offer an array of seafood specialties, juicy steaks and other Northwest favorites, including a decadent Sunday buffet. Rooms range from bedrooms to studios to one-bedroom suites with microwaves and refrigerators to full kitchens. Hotel amenities include wi-fi, spa, saunas, exercise room and a year-round heated swimming pool. Kids will love the game room and easy beach access. Full-service conference and meeting rooms for that inspirational retreat; extensive, gorgeous wedding possibilities. Near the south end of Lincoln City at 4009 SW Highway 101. 1-800-452-8127 or 541-996-2161. www.spanishhead.com

(Portland, Oregon) – As if just in time for the Christmas rush, a unique gift for those in love with the Oregon coast has just been released. “Oregon Lights” is a new DVD from Oregon Coast Show cameraman and producer Scott Gibson and writer David Anslow, now available online at www.oregonlightsdvd.com. The award-winning show was aired on Oregon Public Broadcasting a few times in the early part of this decade

13 chapters of the video take you through all ten of Oregon’s lighthouse, including the private lighthouse owned by famed maritime author Jim Gibbs, as well as some other related subjects.

Those who love to travel the Oregon coast will find this film intoxicating. The DVD is 72 minutes of glorious footage, beautiful scenery, and fascinating background information and history. It takes the viewer on a tour of all the lighthouses up and down the coast, through their history, and touches upon the legends of hauntings as well. It even features interviews with Gibbs, who not only served aboard the crazed Tillamook Rock Lighthouse until it was shut down in 1957, but created his own small lighthouse at his home in Yachats.

Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside

Unique Luxury Accommodations in Seaside. 1BR Suites, 1BR & 2BR Duplex Units and 3BR Houses, units for 2-8 people. Rent our entire property for 20-26. All units close to beach, river and Broadway St.
Suites are designed for two adults; vacation rental units for families. All units have kitchen and many have fireplace, deck and jetted tub. Enjoy comfy robes & slippers, luxury bath amenities, quality linens and more. See us on The Travel Channel's "Great Escapes" show in August 2006. 741 S. Downing St., Seaside. 800-738-6691. www.SeasideSuites.com

A bonus feature on the DVD is a special story about the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse in Newport.

Cape Meares

It was a labor of love for Gibson, who thought about the documentary for years. “Ever since I was a kid I had a fascination with lighthouses,” Gibson said. “So I was happy to blend my skills as a producer with a fascination of mine. I really loved making this documentary.”

The film took about a year to make, with Gibson having to rent equipment for $300 a day at the time, since he didn’t have his own broadcast quality gear. “It became a real ‘magical act’ for me to coordinate interviews and days that were available to shoot at the various lighthouses,” he said. “Plus, I had to coordinate with the ever-changing Oregon coast weather.”

Postproduction took another three months, and still included a lot of exhausting driving between the coast and Portland.

The making of the film had its perks, however. Most lighthouse officials gave Gibson exclusive access to areas not normally permitted to the public. He got to see a lot of things most people don’t.

Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach

If expansive ocean views, close proximity to golfing, fishing tours and quick access to seven miles of pristine beaches is your thing, then this quintessential beauty in Rockaway Beach is your ticket to vacation fun for families, couples or large groups. Some rooms are pet friendly. All rooms at the Tradewinds Motel are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones with data ports. The oceanfronts all have a queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and a private deck. Some oceanfront units come with all those amenities but the kitchens. Both types sleep up to four people. The non-oceanfront rooms are appointed with a queen bed, small fridge, and coffee maker – sizable for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. There is an elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite that has two bedrooms, coming with a kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For those wanting bigger accommodations for family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. 523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com

But one hurdle was the officials at Cape Arago’s lighthouse, on the south coast. “The Coast Guard Chief from Coos Bay at that time would not allow me to cross the footbridge to get right up to the lighthouse,” Gibson said. “He said it was a liability issue, and I explained that I would sign any necessary waivers, etc. But he wouldn't budge. It seemed to me like he just wanted to throw his weight around. I saw the footbridge myself and it would have been safe for me to walk across it.”

Gibson learned much from his documentary work, including the revelation that the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse’s ghost was from a work of fiction. In the DVD, he’s careful to point that out, and to dispel the myth that Yaquina Head’s lighthouse was accidentally built in the wrong place.

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, north coast

“Basically, there's no reason a lighthouse as tall as Yaquina Head would need to be placed high atop Cape Foulweather where it would be in the fog line much of the time,” he said.

The ghost stories didn’t faze him at all. Gibson is a realist – but one who knows first the sad truth about Oregon’s lighthouses. The DVD ends with a poignant statement about what won’t ever happen again with these wonderful icons.

“I don't know if any of the other ghost stories have any credibility, but lighthouses are truly remarkable structures,” Gibson said. “It’s sad to think another one will never be built.”

The DVD is $14.95, with $3 shipping and handling. It can be previewed and ordered at www.OregonLightsDVD.com.

 

DIVE INTO LUXURY, HISTORY AT THE TIDES

THE TIDES BY THE SEA, Seaside. For over 80 years, The Tides has been a favorite of Seaside visitors. History meets modern luxury here. 51 oceanfront condos, individually owned and decorated. Find suites for couples, small apartments with fireplaces and kitchenettes, one or two bedroom family units with fireplaces, kitchens and dining rooms. There are wonderful oceanview cottages that sleep anywhere from two to eight people, with two bedrooms, some with lofts, fireplaces and kitchens.
Meanwhile, the heated outdoor pool, enormous grounds with picnic tables and location at the quiet southern end of Seaside make for some memorable means of play and repose. 2316 Beach Drive. 800-548-2846. www.thetidesbythesea.com.

 

BREATHTAKING CLIFFTOP IN NEWPORT

STARFISH POINT is located on the Central Oregon Coast - in Newport - and offers only the finest in luxury condominium lodging. At Starfish Point, every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the beach.
All of the units boast two bedrooms, two bathrooms, designer kitchens, wireless broadband Internet, fireplaces, Jacuzzi’s and private decks - surrounding you in soothing relaxation. We have a friendly staff dedicated to high quality and superb customer service. 140 NW 48th Street, Newport. (541) 265-3751. (800) 870-7795. www.starfishpoint.com

 

D Sands Condominium Motel, Lincoln City. Getting a free, fresh baked cookie upon check-in is just the beginning. Every room is beachfront, and it's all right up against Lincoln City's most famous stretch of beach, next to the D River. Each room, comes as a suite or mini-suite, and has a kitchen and balcony or patio. Some have gas fireplaces, while all have a DVD Players with movies available for renting (and movie rentals come with free popcorn). There's a heated indoor pool, a spa, and this fabulous beach is lit at night. Rooms sleep anywhere from two, four to six - including a deluxe fireplace suite. Gift certificates are available, and they offer special occasion packages as well. To make a reservation and see a virtual tour of the rooms, visit our website at www.dsandsmotel.com. 171 S.W. Highway 101. 800-527-3925.

 

Lincoln City Vacation Homes There’s something for everyone among this selection of wondrous homes: smaller homes with a view to a large house that sleeps 15. All the homes are either oceanfront or just a few steps away from the sand – all with a low bank access and fantastic views. Most are in the Nelscott area; one is close to the casino. You’ll find a variety of goodies, depending on the home: fireplaces, multiple bedrooms, dishwashers, Jacuzzis, washer/dryers, hot tubs, cable TV, VCR, barbecues; there’s a loft in one, and another sprawling home has two apartments. Pets are allowed in some homes – ask ahead. Each comes with complete kitchens so you’ll have a home away from home. Most have the seventh night free. Prices range from winter $85 to summer $230 per night. www.getaway2thecoast.com. 541-994-8778.

 

RELATED STORIES

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The Freaky Truth About Oregon Coast Winter Weather From how many nice days there really are to the mini-summer of February

Stunning Storm Watch Spots on Oregon's Coast Tips for some stunning viewing of the wild waves of the season

Glass Float Giveaway Begins on Central Oregon Coast Newport starts its glass float extravaganza, with numerous other wonders

Sampling Wines and Wine Bars on the Oregon Coast Wine shops and wine bars are a growing part of coastal tourism

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ASTORIA
Where the Columbia meets the Pacific, Land of Lewis & Clark and loads of atmosphere & history


SEASIDE
The Promenade, Tillamook Head, family fun & broad, sandy beaches

CANNON BEACH
A mysterious lighthouse, upscale yet earthy, a huge monolith, fine eateries & an art mecca


NEHALEM BAY
Manzanita's beaches, Nehalem and Wheeler's quirky beauty; laid back Rockaway


TILLAMOOK BAY
Garibaldi, Barview, Bay City, Tillamook & an oceanfront ghost town


THREE CAPES LOOP
The hidden secret of the coast: Cape Meares, a lighthouse, Oceanside, Netarts and Pacific City


LINCOLN CITY & THE CORRIDOR OF MYSTERY
Miles & miles of unbroken beaches, Cascade Head, Neskowin and many manmade attractions
DEPOE BAY
A spouting horn downtown, freaky hidden cliffs and whales, whales, whales
NEWPORT
Time-tripping Nye Beach, a bustling bayfront, marine science-central and two lighthouses

WALDPORT / SEAL ROCK
Pristine, even secretive sands and wild geologic landmarks

YACHATS
Constantly dramatic wave action, a mix of the rugged & upscale

UPPER LANE COUNTY
25 miles of deserted beaches & oodles of wonders

FLORENCE
A lighthouse, ancient bayfront and miles and miles of fluffy dunes

 

 

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